The Latex Wear Guide

Latex abrasion is not a defect!!

it’s normal wear and to be expected from the first time of wearing the gloves, especially with high-performance latex such as ours. Even elite professionals replace their gloves regularly due to this. Gloves returned to us because of this will not be refunded or exchanged.

Abrasion is the primary cause of wear and tear on goalkeeper gloves, especially on the palm area. Here’s a focused guide on how abrasion affects goalkeeper glove latex, why it happens, and how to manage it:



What Is Latex Abrasion?

  • Latex abrasion is the gradual breakdown, tearing, or flaking of the glove's palm material due to friction and surface contact.
  • It typically appears as:
  • Small cuts or peeling
  • Worn-out patches (especially on fingertips or base of the palm)

 

Main Causes of Latex Abrasion:

  • Playing Surface

Artificial turf and hard ground cause much more abrasion than natural grass.

  • Diving Technique

Dragging palms or fingers on the ground increases wear.

  • Latex Softness

Softer, high-grip latex (like Contact or Aqua) is more abrasion-sensitive.

  • Dirty Ball or Field

Dust and dirt act like sandpaper on latex.

  • Dry Palms During Use

Dry latex has less elasticity and tears more easily under stress.

 

How to Reduce Abrasion and Extend Glove Life

Wet the palms before and during play:

  • Moist latex flexes better and resists tearing. Moisten with water, dew from the pitch or good old-fashioned spit.

Clean gloves after every use:

  • Dirt particles grind down latex when left unwashed. Wash them immediately after training and matches, it’s worth it!  See our Glove Care Guide.

Limit glove use:

  • Have separate gloves for training, matches, and wet conditions.

Focus on proper diving technique:

  • Avoid dragging palms unnecessarily across abrasive ground, hanging from crossbars and grabbing goal nets, these won’t help your gloves! Push off from the ground with a closed fist after making a save.

 

How Long Should Latex Last?

This is very dependant on how regularly the gloves are used, personal preference, latex type and the care taken.  Some professionals change their gloves after very 2-3 matches and turn them into training gloves but not everyone is a professional!   The following figures are based on one wear per week for match and training gloves:

  • Match Gloves: ~10–15 matches (depending on care/surface)
  • Training Gloves: ~1–3 months with regular use

Here’s the thing. . While there is latex left on the palm and fingers, your gloves are still good to go if you care for them in the correct way.

Everyone is different, some keepers don’t mind signs of wear on the palm and even think they perform better, where others only play with a smooth, like-new palm, it’s all down to personal preference.  Which one are you?